Why you Shouldn't be Cutting your Cuticles (& What you Should be Doing Instead)

After going for a manicure recently I noticed that it is standard procedure to completely remove the cuticle from the nail. While this has an appealing appearance, it doesn't seem like the most natural thing, making me question whether this generally accepted method could actually be doing us more harm than good.

After conducting my research (as always) I discovered that cuticle removal is most definitely not good for your nails and can lead to icky infections if not done properly. Technically nail technicians aren't even supposed to do this as it is not on the list of requirements for beauty school tests. I found an interesting article from Cosmopolitan which discusses the issue with the expert advice of Simcha Whitehill, pro manicurist from New York City. Here's are some excepts which will make you think twice before cutting your cuticles:

"The thin sliver of skin along the bottom of your nail bed (aka your cuticle) serves an important purpose, which is to protect you from infection. Otherwise it's a point of entry. And when it's sliced open, because you or some salon tech doesn't know what he or she is doing with the nippers, the flood gates are immediately opened for bacteria and fungus to get inside and infect you." 

"Plus, once you get into the habit of cutting your cuticles, you always have to cut them because they grow back quickly, but not as pretty."

Instead, Whitehall suggests just simply pushing back the cuticles to give a more aesthetically appealing look. I've discovered that using a cuticle oil can help soften the area, making it easier to push back, is the best way to achieve this. I love Sakare Cuticle Oil as it is extra nourishing with its high concentration of almond oil and really easy to apply with the rollerball applicator. I take the oil with me every time I get a manicure (around once every two weeks) and get my manicurist to use it before gently pushing my cuticles back (not cutting them!). So far my cuticles have noticeably diminished and look healthy rather than ragged or raw.

Why Xmas is the Time to Treat Yourself (& how Sakare can Help)

I don't know about you but I'm burnt out. On top of my usually jam-packed schedule I've had to single handedly prepare to host Christmas at my house (for the first time) and buy presents for everyone that will make this year the best year ever. Let's just say it's not easy and juggling that with trying to ensure that my two boys are having the magical festive time that they deserve is almost impossible. Today after completing almost all of my missions before the big day I decided that it's time for some me time.

Mums at this time of year function on overdrive simply because they have to. Christmas parties, trips to visit Santa, present buying, food planning, decoration perfecting...it all gets too much at some point and now is the time to let it all go!

Focus on taking a breath, a moment of quiet for your brain and body to melt away the stress and actually enable yourself to start to enjoy these precious family moments. My top tip for relaxation is to treat yourself to a luxurious bath product and soak your troubles away (with a glass of wine, of course). Light candles, send the kids (and husband) away, whatever you need to do to find a real moment of peace in this busy time.

If you're going to do a bath properly then you absolutely have to use Sakare Soothing Shower Oil. Although the name suggests that it's only for use in the shower this is misleading as it is actually the best bath oil I have ever come across.

Add to a hot bath and be amazed as the water turns silky smooth with the most relaxing smell. It can't be described you just simply need to experience it for yourself! This product is extremely luxurious but at the same time extremely practical...it's a bath oil, body wash, and moisturiser all in one. Not forgetting that it can also be used for your daily shower even if you aren't taking a time-out bath. 

This is one present that you shouldn't wait until Christmas to unwrap...go and treat yourself to something a bit early...you deserve it and trust me, it will help you get through what's to come!

Good luck to all of you out there hosting your first ever Xmas dinner (me included), and to all others...hope you have a fantastic Christmas with lots of magical moments!! 

Halloween Treats for the Kids (and Mums)

Autumn is well and truly here and while I don't look forward to the short, dreary days I do love celebrating all of the winter festivities! If you have kids it's a great excuse to go all out on Halloween....costumes, decorations, homemade sweet treats...the works.

This year I'm trying to cut down on my two boys' sugar intake but still make it fun and spooky for them. Instead of doing the usual Trick or Treat rounds I've decided to throw a haunted house party at our house complete with games, surprises, goodie bags, and of course...a costume competition. This time, however, I won't be handing over endless supplies of sweeties and chocolates as I have decided to go down a healthier route. Think fruit carved into scary creatures, sugar free jelly, frozen yoghurt apples etc. Here's to hoping that it will be a success and that healthy will win over the usual sugar saturation!

As a general principle I like to try and give out small presents at Halloween instead of just sweeties...it's more personal and healthier. For little girls (like my nieces) I found cute little witches cauldrons complete with spell ingredients and a wand. Fires up imagination and also doubles as part of a costume. For my boys I got them a Halloween themed video game that they can play at the party with their friends.

This year I decided to extend my gift giving to the mums in the school-run group. Let's face it...if anyone really deserves a gift it's the mums that run here there and everywhere after their children while balancing work and running a house at the same time. I gave a Luxuriating Body Butter by my favourite luxury brand, Sakare to each of the mums and made them promise me that they would take some time to themselves that night to relax in the bath and apply the lotion.

The next day I was thanked over and over by mums that hadn't even realised that they weren't taking time for themselves. They all loved the body butter and were impressed by how nourishing and beautifully smelling it is. I have definitely earned my space in the good books for the next few months...I doubt anyone will be looking at me to host a bake sale anytime soon!

Regenerating Peeling Mask from Sakare – Amazing “Lifting” Effect

This mask will not let you down. Whether you wish to achieve a more youthful, firm complexion or simply want to rejuvenate your skin with a regenerating treatment that will leave it looking its best, you won’t be disappointed.

Often people head straight for the bestselling Intensive Nourishment Mud Mask from the Sakare range (no wonder – it’s really something) and always overlook this under-stated gem of a skin treatment.

How do you use it?

This mask takes just two minutes to get to work. Then simply rub it in circular motions into the skin before rinsing off with warm water. No fuss, no mess, you don’t even need to take more than 3 minutes out of your busy day to treat yourself to a high class product that will give you real results.

What does it do?

So, what does it promise to achieve and what did I really see after using this mask once a week for a month? As expected I did see a firmness and lift that wasn’t previously there. I didn’t notice anything straightaway but after the four weeks I was getting comments from friends about looking “fresh” and that I must have been getting loads of sleep recently! I noticed the difference myself when I was applying make up and my skin didn’t seem crepe-y or too delicate. It appeared more elastic and strong but still soft. Literally a face-lift in a bottle! If you are considering any sort of surgery please try this first as I think you will be surprised at what a mask can achieve.

How does it work?

How is this amazing “lifting” effect achieved? It’s all down to Kendi – an organic, eco-certified Indonesian nut oil that so far has not been used widespread. It not only strengthens the skin with firmness and elasticity, but removes all impurities and refines pores for a flawless complexion.

 Who is it for?

Absolutely anyone and everyone! All skin types and ages will find the benefit in using this Sakare product now and then (once a week is ideal).

Great Gift Idea - Sakare Nail Treatment

Since discovering Sakare I waste no chance to introduce others to the products. Every time I need to buy someone a gift I look to Sakare first. Everyone can do with a bit more luxury in their lives and even though the range isn't huge, I feel that there is something for everyone (yes guys included).

Some of the products tend to be a bit more of a let's say...investment rather than a spontaneous purchase and so I realise that it's not such an accessible option for every occasion. Therefore I wanted to share with you my favourite go-to gift for those times when you are trying to hold onto those purse strings!

Sakare Nail Treatment

The complete nail kit is a great option as it includes everything needed for a home manicure. Isn't age sensitive...old and young alike will love it and it is assumable that most people take care of their hands and nails in some form or another. £45 is s pretty good deal considering that you get a nail file, buffer, full sized hand cream and the amazing cuticle oil.

If you are looking to spend less you can still treat that special person! 

A single bottle of hand cream is a great idea....needed all year round and will only cost you £15 for a full sized bottle! Choose from 3 different fragrances to suit the receiver.

The cuticle oil or nail buffer are also a great options for just £15 each and can be purchased separately. The buffer really does work magic and the shine it gives lasts for weeks. 

Sakare is a very affluent brand with high level products but that doesn't mean it's exclusive. They will even give you great deals when buying a few products at a time (don't say I told you so!) 

Everyone that I have treated to Sakare gifts have so far loved them. Don't be caught short again and don't panic buy the first thing you see! 

Sakare Product Review: Luxuriating Body Butter

Body butter is every woman's staple product. Before bed, after shower, first thing in the morning...most women work it into their daily routine somehow.

Personally I have been searching a huge proportion of my life for the perfect body butter but have never been successful. They always seem to be either too thick, too fragranced, too greasy, or take too long to dry.

Now I have found the perfect body butter! Sakare have got the best combination of moisture, fragrance and consistency. Thick but not too thick, it doesn't take hours to dry and won't leave you feeling oily. Choose from 3 different fragrances which are all beautiful and most importantly, not overpowering.

Luxuriating Body Butter from Sakare

Leaves your skin feeling soft and silky smooth for a whole 24 hours. Not only that but your skin is given a boost by the rich concentration of vitamin E and anti-oxidants. This cream actually helps your skin to repair itself naturally...pretty cool!

With the millions of brands and products out there it is almost impossible to find the ones that are so good we stick with them for life. Luxuriating Body Butter by Sakare is one of those products that you won't regret investing in.

Best Skin Brightening Treatments

With so many anti ageing/anti wrinkle treatments and products out there we can get so caught up on straightening out those pesky lines. Ageing is a natural part of life and doing it gracefully is the best way to go. It has taken me some time to come to terms with my wrinkles but now I am learning to embrace them. Yes I use eye serum every night but I believe that natural methods are the way forward and not plastic surgery. Recently I discovered that in order for our skin to appear more youthful and healthy we need to focus on care in general for our skin and not just on getting rid of a specific line or flaw. With a good skin care regime your skin will have a healthy glow. If you have tried this and feel your skin needs an extra helping hand then there are loads of brightening treatments you can try! They introduce that youthful glow that you had before things started to do downhill, disguising other signs of ageing such as wrinkles and lines. Here are some of my favourites....


                                           Countertime Enlightening Treatment Pads

These are great time savers simply because they are in ready-to-go pad form. Think you don't have time for a skin brightener? Well you do with Countertime. Fruit acid complex gives your skin a shot of anti oxidants, brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of pores and imperfections.

Sakare 24k Gold Serum

This serum is simply amazing. It is saturated with tiny pieces of real gold that give an unrivalled level of skin brightening. Elasticity is brought back to the skin with the high concentration of argan oil,  nyamplung oil and vitamin E. Extremely light and extremely potent. Will also get to work on those tough wrinkles at the same time. Works well on all skin types.

Arcona Gentle Solution

This is one for all the sensitive skin sufferers out there. A nighttime treatment that helps your skin repair itself overnight for optimal results. Great for dry/damaged skin. Repairs the skin by encouraging cell renewal meaning you wake up every day looking like you have had the best sleep of your life. 

Top of my Christmas Wish List....Sakare

Just over a week to go people! I love Christmas. I wish this tree was mine but unfortunately it's not:

While I am always organised when it comes to Christmas (all of my presents are wrapped and all ready to go) I know a lot of you out there are last minute panic-ers. Let's face it, the Christmas-Eve-Rush isn't fun and can be the most stressful experience ever. If you do end up in that situation then make sure you shop smart! Impulse last minute buys can leave a deep hole in your pocket till next Christmas.

I have been dropping loads of hints to my boyfriend this year for him to buy me the Indulgence Case from Sakare. We will have to wait and see if they were picked up on!

HINT TO GUYS: don't leave her disappointed....get something she is bound to love. Head down to Sakare on Bond Street. Quality products that will make her feel at her best and completely pampered.

FOOL PROOF: Don't know what she needs/likes/wants? Make sure your choice is fool proof. I recommend the Indulgence Case in Pure Passion (contains body scrub, body butter & nail kit) or the Hydrating Mineral Complex Moisturizer. Every girl needs these things time to time and when she sees the high level of the products she will think that you gave it loads of thought and searched around the market. Winning!

Perfect way to get in your mother in law's good books this year!

WRAPPING TIPS: While Sakare does have really beautiful packaging it's important to make the effort to wrap it! Plain paper is the most sophisticated and adding a ribbon or bow really says "I made effort".

Let this year be a success...even if it's all done last minute.
Merry Christmas everyone!!!

The Luxury Brand That Actually Cares About Your Skin - Sakare

Making sure that your skin is effectively cleansed and exfoliated whilst taking care not to damage it can be tricky. Our skin (especially on our face) is so gentle and sometimes temperamental, although at the same time an amazing entity with such strength and resistance. Constantly renewing, changing, adapting to what we put it through every day. After pollution, free radicals, bacteria, rain, sun, snow, smiling, frowning, tugging & pulling, the daily wear and tear on our skin starts to show. The last thing it needs is for us to rub in harsh skincare products, with the vigour of thinking we are doing something right.

So how do we know what is doing us harm and what isn't? With all the media coverage and beautiful celebrities endorsing all these 'wonder' products how are we supposed to make an informed decision about the care of our skin....something that we are responsible for for the rest of our lives.

This is where Sakare comes in...the luxury brand that actually cares about your skin:

• All of the ingredients are sourced ethically from across the globe and include the finest natural plants, sea algae and minerals. 
• No harsh chemicals or overly perfumed/coloured products. Sakare products work in tandem with your skin's natural facilitations to aid and encourage the body's natural way of working. The results are more than just visible...you can feel them. 
• The products are gentle enough to be used for all skin types and they really achieve what they say they will.

My experience so far has been with the Anti-Wrinkle Cream which I now swear by. Recently I bought the Exfoliating Facial Gel as I wanted something that would work alongside the cream but give my skin a bit of a deeper clean now and then. This exfoliator is perfect as it isn't abrasive, it's actually very moisturising and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and completely cleansed. Gentle enough to use up to 3 times a week, this irritation-free formula is a real 'wonder' product. Perfect for all skin types...even the most sensitive.

Let your skin do it's thing...it knows what to do. Just give it a natural helping hand from Sakare.

Sakare Gift Sets Make Great Christmas Presents

The Christmas season is upon us! Did I really just say that when it's only October? Yes I did because this year I have decided to be extremely organised and avoid any last minute stresses or sporadic impulse buying which will leave me hating myself once January comes around. With only 9 more weeks to go and so much shopping to do there really isn't that much time! I decided to pop down to my favourite shop of late...Sakare (just in case you haven't seen my other posts) and take a look at what they have on offer in the gift stakes.

Nail Kit - Includes a nail file, nail buffer, indulging hand and body lotion, and cuticle oil. Great quality products and everything you need to achieve a home manicure on a professional level. The sales assistant demonstrated the nail buffer on me and it gave a beautiful shine which has lasted and lasted. An ideal gift for young and old alike. Inexpensive but still has the high level of quality and luxury that this brand are known for. I'll be keeping a few of these in stock just in case I forget someone on the gift list.


Radiant Eyes Case - Includes Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum and Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream. These two work together in perfect alliance to do some serious anti-ageing treatment around the eye area. Be careful who you give this to! You don't want to offend anyone by insinuating that they have badly aged skin. A little bit higher on the price scale and so ideal for people who you are closer to. I will be giving this to my mother as she has trouble with crow's feet wrinkles (where I get them from) and I have already witnessed the wonders that this Anti-Ageing range can do. I will be her favourite child this year :) 

Luxuriating Body Butter Case - Includes a trio of body butters. One of each scent (passion, ocean & patchouli). This is really a great gift for anyone...who doesn't love to pamper themselves after a bath with this luxurious cream? Comes in 3 scents so you don't even need to waste time guessing which one they will like best! I will be giving this gift set to my mother-in-law this year. She will definitely love it and will be so happy that I introduced her to the luxuriousness of this product. 

Rejuvenating Body Scrub Case - Includes a trio of body scrubs. One of each scent (passion, ocean & patchouli) just like the body butter case. Again this set is ideal for everyone. This 3 set will last forever and the recipient will love the rich revitalisation and intense hydration which this product ensures. I will be teaming this with the body butter case for my best friend, Angela.

Pure Passion Indulgence Case - Includes Rejuvenating Body Scrub, Luxuriating Body Butter and Nail Kit. Such a great price for so many items, I will be buying this for my sister...and secretly hoping she will buy it for me too! Also available in Passion and Patchouli fragrances.



Sakare has Christmas covered! If you aren't able to head down to their store on Bond Street then you check out their online store.

Sakare Mud Mask Review

As promised I am back again with another review and yes it is another product from the range at Sakare! After being extremely satisfied with my last purchase (anti-wrinkle cream) I had to go back to try something else from the luxury brand.

This time I decided to try the Intensive Nourishment Mud Mask which is suitable for all skin types. Again this is another anti-ageing product which has properties of Indonesian nyamplung oil and borage oil, rare natural ingredients which I was told are known to get results. As I mentioned before, I am constantly looking for anti-ageing products which actually work because my skin has pronounced wrinkles, making it look older than it's years. All the products I invest in turn out to be gimmicky and not worthwhile.

One of the best-selling masks in the range, I was excited to try it out. As soon as the kids were off to bed it was me time. Glass of wine and the Sakare mud mask....heaven! It smelled and felt amazing on my skin. A true moment of luxury and self-pampering (something we sometimes forget the importance of!) But let's cut to the chase and talk about what is really important...the results.

I can honestly say that after just one use my skin has a youthful radiance that wasn't there before. Skin tone is evened out and my skin is wonderfully hydrated, reducing the appearance of my fine-lines and wrinkles. An intensive treatment, I was advised to use once a week, although I would recommend to also use before an event where you would like your skin to look particularly radiant. The intensive nourishment mask is a great anti-ageing treatment, and also a great detox for skin that constantly faces the pollution and environment of daily life.

Recommended for anyone who wants to give their skin a nourished and youthful new lease of life. Also a great gift idea as it is suitable for any complexion...will be stocking up before christmas!

Sakare London Experience

Hi everyone,

I'm Isabella and I'd like to share some of my tips, tricks, insights and observations with you. As a mother of 2, (both under 5) and a certified shopaholic I will be discussing parenting, products and more!

Life as a mother can be stressful and sometimes you are left with no time at the end of the day for yourself. I make it a priority to set aside a few hours here and there to browse the shops and seek out the newest and best products. Last week I took a wander down Bond Street and discovered the beautiful Sakare cosmetics store.

                                                        Sakare at 93 New Bond Street

As I had never noticed or heard of this store before I just had to go in. The staff very very friendly and straight away noticed that I was new to the products and so explained to me a little bit about the range. I loved the way the store was set out...with vintage style booths neatly displaying creams and lotions. I didn't feel overloaded and so was able to look and really take in what was on offer. One thing caught my eye straight away...the anti-wrinkle eye cream. Even though I am still under 35 I suffer from pronounced crow's feet wrinkles around my eyes. Having tried many creams and serums over the years I still haven't been able to find a product that I am happy with. The sales-woman suggested I try it which I did. I have to say that it felt great on my skin and the eye area did seem brighter and smoother, although I have also felt this way with other products that I have gone on to see no real results. At £124.99 this wasn't a cheap product, but the sales-woman reassured me that I will start to see evident results after only one week, and that if I am not happy I should come back. Shockingly, I have spent way more than this on other 'anti-ageing' products and so was really hoping this would be the answer to my prayers.

I have been using the Sakare anti-wrinkle eye cream for just over a week now and I am really pleased with the results! The skin around my eyes is visibly smoother and the wrinkles are definitely less pronounced. The cream is easily absorbed and feels beautifully soft on my skin. Also a great base for eye make-up.  Not the cheapest option out there but definitely a good investment if you are looking for tangible results. For sure I will be returning to Sakare on my next trip to take a look at their other products. Keep an eye out for more reviews!!